Paracetamol (OTC) for treatment of
common cold in Adults with cold

Unclear

Bottom Line

Treatment with Paracetamol. 4 valid studies conducted, with 758 adults. Unclear impact. May relieve runny and stuffy nose, and does not relief sneezing and coughing. Side effects seem minor as long as you avoid overdose.

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Recommendations

Try this treatment with caution:

Unclear impact. The risks and the benefits in treating Common Cold are uncertain. It may relieve runny nose and stuffy nose. Side effects seem minor, but accidental overdose is relatively common and fatal.

Doctors Say That

The suggested benefits of relieving runny and stuffy nose are unfounded and do not make clinical sense.

If you do not have fever or pain, better avoid this treatment, and use proven remedies instead.

About Paracetamol (OTC)

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), usually in tablets

Target Population:

Adults with cold, 16 to 65 years old

Dosage:

Varies according to brand, age and weight. 3-6 times a day and a maximum 4, 000 mg/day for adults.

Goal:

Treatment of Common Cold symptoms

Research Summary

Needs more testing

4Clinical Studies

758 Adults Tested

Unclear

Benefits:

Unclear, more research is needed. May help relieve runny nose and blockage of the nose.

Mild risks

Risks:

Unclear, more research is needed. Minor reported side effects include stomach and intestinal discomfort, dizziness, dry mouth and increased sweating. Overdose is common and can cause fatal liver failure.

Common Cold Overview

Medical problem:

Common Cold (symptoms caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory system).

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen or APAP, is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It is typically used for mild to moderate pain. The quality of the evidence regarding the use for fever relief in children is poor. It is often sold in combination with other ingredients such as in many cold medications. In combination with opioid pain medication, paracetamol is also used for more severe pain such as cancer pain and pain after surgery. It is typically used either by mouth or rectally but is also available intravenously. Effects last between two and four hours. Paracetamol is classified as a mild analgesic. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity and how it works is not entirely clear. Paracetamol was discovered in 1877. (source)